More residents return home after Mountain Fire evacuations lifted

MOUNTAIN CENTER -- Idyllwild, Fern Valley and Pine Cove residents affected by the 27,279-acre Mountain Fire were able to return their homes Sunday afternoon but there were new concerns over heavy rains and a report of a possible mudslide.

No additional information was available on the mudslide, reported Sunday afternoon at an afternoon news conference near Idyllwild.

"We haven't had any reports from home owners or in the field that any mudslides have occurred," said Norma Bailey, spokeswoman for the U.S. Forest Service, about 5:30 p.m. Sunday.

Riverside County Deputy Fire Chief Glenn Patterson said at the news conference authorities are concerned about rain and mudslides around the burn areas while his department was in constant contact with Riverside County Flood Control and a hydrologist about the situation.

"We are prepared for that should it happen," Patterson said about flash-flood and heavy rain concerns in the area of a dozen or so homes.

Patterson said there had been six residences in the Pine Springs area that were destroyed besides some out buildings and that the mudslide was in the "general area" of those homes.

There is a continued threat of thunderstorms and rain through early Tuesday, Patterson added.

On Sunday, residents were able to return to their homes between 10 and 10:30 a.m. after getting an access pass once they showed officials identification, a utility bill plus photo ID or proof of employment.

"This is absolutely incredible to be able to come back to Idyllwild after just about a week, almost five days. It's gotten to the point where for most of us the days are just blending together," said Clay Helgren, 58, of Living Free Animal Sanctuary.

Helgren said that on Monday 96 cats and 45 dogs had to be evacuated from his sanctuary but on Tuesday he was able to get permission to bring them back on the condition he would be able to leave immediately if conditions worsened.

"They were so good with fire abatement," Helgren said of the multiple agencies battling the blaze, adding his sanctuary was used as a mini-base camp for fire crews.

Riverside County sheriff's Capt. Scot Collins said Sunday thousands of people were evacuated because of the Mountain Fire. There were no serious injuries to firefighters or the public, Collins said.

Dean McAlister, spokesman for the U.S. Forest Service, said people could get passes at Hemet Lake Market, Cranston Fire Station and Banning High School.

As for visitors, after 11 p.m. Sunday, fire officials said they will be allowed back into the area.

Chris Gaulding, San Bernardino National Forest spokesman, said full containment for the Mountain Fire is expected Friday.

On Sunday morning, there was enough rain before afternoon thunderstorms that was key in helping fight the fire because "we've had just enough rain to keep the fire behavior down," said U.S. Forest Service spokeswoman Jeanne Pincha-Tulley.

Idyllwild resident Sparky Allert, 71, said it was great to be able to go back to his home while he filled out a pass form on Sunday in Mountain Center. He had evacuated with one horse and 16 raccoons to nearby McCall Equestrian Campground with friends.

Allert said that before he left his home, he could see smoke nearby that would "come up white and red and then black, red and orange."

Idyllwild resident Marsha Lytle was upbeat as she got in her car on Sunday with a pass in hand.

"I'm glad to go home," said Lytle, chair of the Jazz In The Pines music festival in Idyllwild held on Aug. 17 and 18.

She added firefighters have been invited to attend the festival for free. Normal admission is $65 per day or $100 for a two-day package.

As of Sunday evening, containment was up to 68 percent with 27,279 acres burned, authorities said. Additionally, 2,678 fire personnel were battling the fire and the cost was estimated at $19.9 million.